If there is one thing I love to do (other than Florida), it’s fishing. You know what else I love to do? Eat fish. Outside. By the water. Man, that is the ultimate trifecta for me. It really doesn’t get any better than that (except catching snook).

So, whenever I feel the need for some waterfront dining, I drive over to the closest shore in my neck of the Florida woods: New Smyrna Beach. If you ever get a hankering for fresh Florida seafood, I suggest you check one (or three) of these places out.

JB’s Fish Camp Seafood Restaurant

People come by car (or boat) to this local favorite hangout near Canaveral National Seashore. Best thing about JB’s? Bring your catch and they’ll cook it any way you like — blackened, broiled, fried, or Cajun fried, with fries and coleslaw. You can’t beat that!

This place just north of New Smyrna Beach in Port Orange has an Old Florida atmosphere where everyone calls each other “cousin,” and a sweet roll and hush puppy come with every meal. They have great shrimp, burgers, and of course, catfish. Eating homecooked southern food directly on the Halifax river? It doesn’t get any better than this. Best to call ahead if you want to sit outdoors.

These folks are passionate about using the freshest ingredients and offer a more contemporary Southern cuisine with local craft beers and Tiki-style island cocktails. This restaurant is located at the New Smyrna Marina and is a great place to kick back in your flip-flops and check out yachts and sport fisherman boats along the Intracoastal Waterway.

Let’s be honest, the great outdoors has been upstaged lately by the comfy and plugged-in environment that is the modern American home. So, for you parents who want your kids playing outside like you did growing up, this can be an uphill battle....